ML24093A008
| ML24093A008 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Oconee  |
| Issue date: | 04/01/2024 |
| From: | Public Commenter Public Commenter |
| To: | NRC/NMSS/DREFS |
| NRC/NMSS/DREFS | |
| References | |
| 89FR10107 | |
| Download: ML24093A008 (5) | |
Text
From:
Kajumba, Ntale <Kajumba.Ntale@epa.gov>
Sent:
Monday, April 1, 2024 8:02 PM To:
Lance Rakovan Cc:
Long, Larry; Buskey, Traci P.
Subject:
[External_Sender] EPA Comments on the Site-Specific EIS for Oconee Nuclear Station Units 1, 2, 3 (Draft)
Attachments:
20240027 Oconee Nuclear Station Units 1,2,3 DEIS (F).pdf Greetings Lance, Hope all is well. Attached are EPAs comments on the Site-Specific EIS for License Renewal of Nuclear Plants Supplement 2, Second Renewal Regarding Subsequent License Renewal for Oconee Nuclear Station Units 1, 2, and 3. Please feel free to reach out to EPA, if you have any questions.
Sincerely, Ntale Ntale Kajumba, Manager National Environmental Policy Act Section Strategic Programs Office U.S. EPA Region 4 Office: (404) 562-9620 Email: Kajumba.ntale@epa.gov
Federal Register Notice:
89FR10107 Comment Number:
10 Mail Envelope Properties (SA0PR09MB732286C10BB08190AD4ED998F93E2)
Subject:
[External_Sender] EPA Comments on the Site-Specific EIS for Oconee Nuclear Station Units 1, 2, 3 (Draft)
Sent Date:
4/1/2024 8:01:37 PM Received Date:
4/1/2024 8:01:51 PM From:
Kajumba, Ntale Created By:
Kajumba.Ntale@epa.gov Recipients:
"Long, Larry" <Long.Larry@epa.gov>
Tracking Status: None "Buskey, Traci P." <Buskey.Traci@epa.gov>
Tracking Status: None "Lance Rakovan" <Lance.Rakovan@nrc.gov>
Tracking Status: None Post Office:
SA0PR09MB7322.namprd09.prod.outlook.com Files Size Date & Time MESSAGE 509 4/1/2024 8:01:51 PM 20240027 Oconee Nuclear Station Units 1,2,3 DEIS (F).pdf 203180 Options Priority:
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April 1, 2024 Lance Rakovan U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards Mail Stop T-4B72 Washington, DC 20555-0001 RE: EPA Comments on the Site-Specific Environmental Impact Statement for License Renewal of Nuclear Plants Supplement 2, Second Renewal Regarding Subsequent License Renewal for Oconee Nuclear Station Units 1, 2, and 3, Seneca, South Carolina. NUREG-1437, Docket ID NRC-2021-0146, CEQ# 20240027 Mr. Lance Rakovan:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reviewed the above referenced Nuclear Regulatory Commissions Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Duke Energys Oconee Facility subsequent license renewal, in accordance with Section 309 of the Clean Air Act and Section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act. The CAA Section 309 role is unique to the EPA. Among other things, CAA Section 309 requires the EPA to review and comment on the environmental impact of any proposed federal action subject to NEPAs environmental impact statement requirements and to make its comments public.
As stated in the DEIS, the purpose of the proposed project is to provide an option that allows for power generation capability beyond the term of the current renewed nuclear power plant operating licenses to meet future system generating needs. The facility operating license for Units 1, 2, and 3 expires on February 6, 2033. The subsequent relicensing would renew the Duke Energy Facility Operating License Nos. DPR-38, DPR-47, and DPR-55 for Oconee, Units 1, 2, and 3, respectively, for an additional 20 years.
If the NRC renews the operating licenses, Duke Energy would be authorized to operate Oconee Nuclear Station Unit 1 until February 6, 2053, Unit 2 until October 6, 2053, and Unit 3, until July 19, 2054.
The DEIS evaluates a no action alternative, a proposed action alternative, along with three energy replacement alternatives if the operating licenses are not renewed. The no action alternative would result in NRC not issuing license renewal. The proposed action is the renewal of the operating licenses.
The three commercially viable replacement energy alternatives considered included 1) new nuclear, 2) a natural gas fired power plant, and 3) a combination of solar photovoltaic, offshore wind, small modular reactors, and demand-side management.
2 Summary:
Previously, the EPA provided comments on the Notice of Intent on 11/25/2023. The EPA made recommendations regarding cumulative impacts, wetlands and streams, National Pollution Discharge Elimination System, waste disposal, climate change, and environmental justice. The EPA notes that our comments were addressed in this DEIS. Based on the information in this document, the EPA has provided an additional comment on environmental justice and climate change.
The EPA appreciates the opportunity to review the DEIS for Oconee Nuclear Station, Units 1, 2, and 3. If you have any questions regarding our comments, please contact Mr. Larry Long of the NEPA Section at (404) 562-9460, or by e-mail at long.larry@epa.gov.
Sincerely, Ntale Kajumba NEPA Section Manager Strategic Programs Office
Enclosure:
EPA Detailed Comments on the Site-Specific Environmental Impact Statement for License Renewal of Nuclear Plants Supplement 2, Second Renewal Regarding Subsequent License Renewal for Oconee Nuclear Station Units 1, 2, and 3.
NTALE KAJUMBA Digitally signed by NTALE KAJUMBA Date: 2024.04.01 19:56:13 -04'00'
3 EPA Detailed Comments on the Site-Specific Environmental Impact Statement for License Renewal of Nuclear Plants Supplement 2, Second Renewal Regarding Subsequent License Renewal for Oconee Nuclear Station Units 1, 2, and 3.
CEQ# 20240027 Environmental Justice - The DEIS states that the Environmental Justice analysis meets the requirement for Executive Order 12898 which directs federal agencies to identify and address any disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of its programs, policies and activities on minority, low-income, tribal, and indigenous populations. A discussion on how the DEIS is in accordance with the new EO 14096, Revitalizing Our Nation's Commitment to Environmental Justice for All, published April 21, 2023. A discussion on E.O. 14096 should be included in the final Environmental Impact Statement. Every effort should be made to continue to increase public involvement and awareness.
Greenhouse Gas - The FEIS should indicate whether Sulfur Hexafluoride is used at the facility for electrical breaker cooling. SF6 is one of the most potent greenhouse gases known. If used, the EPA recommends an expanded discussion of SF6 usage at the facility, including the measures used to control leakage, reduce usage, and other mitigation measures.